Payments Europe research reveals key factors behind demand for card payments amongst Danish consumers and merchants
Copenhagen, 21 May 2025 – Payments Europe, the voice of the payments industry in Europe, has published new research on the Danish payments landscape. Based on a survey of consumers and merchants in Denmark, the research highlights the value, cost and place of cards in Denmark’s economy. The report also reveals a highly diversified and competitive payments landscape, with wide acceptance of different payment methods across the board. Key findings from the report include:
Consumers
- 90% of consumers feel that the available payment methods meet their needs.
- Danish consumers have a strong preference for cards, and 91% prefer cards over other payment methods.
- Consumers in Denmark rely significantly less on cash (70%) than their European peers (83%).
- Safety and security are the top priorities for Danish consumers and 75% of them trust their cards more than other payment methods.
- 64 of Danish consumers have not heard of the Digital Euro, and among those aware, 65% are unsure of, or do not see benefits from the Digital Euro.
Merchants
- 78% of Danish merchants prefer accepting electronic payments over cash.
- Danish merchants’ turnover is much less reliant on cash compared to the rest of Europe (39% compared to the European average of 61%).
- Danish merchants prioritise safety and security, cost, consumer preference, and reach when considering which payment method to accept.
- 75% of merchants are satisfied with the payment solutions available to them.
- 84% of Danish merchants agree that the benefits of card payments outweigh the costs.
On the Digital Euro
On average, Danish merchants are more aware of the Digital Euro’s development than their European peer, with 42% of merchants being aware of it. However, compared to the rest of Europe, Danish consumers are not very aware of the development of the Digital Euro. 64% of consumers have never heard of it, 65% are unsure of, or do not see, benefits from the Digital Euro and 52% of Danes are unsure in which scenarios they might use it.